Gutterres ‘shocked’ by racial disparity in Ukraine
The spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Stephane Dujjaric, has said the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Gutterres, was puzzled by racial prejudice while people of various races try to cross from Ukraine to the neighbouring countries.
The UN chief said there were numerous encounters by people of different races which included racism, harassment and discrimination.
“We have seen some reports of basically outright racism in this context and I want to say this, the Secretary-General is shocked by the numerous reports of racism, harassment and discrimination the people of different races have been subjected to as they try to leave Ukraine as well as in neighbouring countries as they seek refuge on the conflict,” Dujjaric stated.
He added that the Secretary-General had appealed to the governments in the region to shun racism and gynophobia.
“The Secretary-General very much appreciates the generosity of those governments bordering Ukraine. He called on all governments in the region to crack down on any manifestation of racism, and gynophobia. It is vital that they ensure that all people regardless of ethnicity, religion or culture are accorded the same treatment and protection,” he added.
Racial gap
On Tuesday, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), released a statement calling for the protection of African origins while fleeing Ukraine’s war to reach a safer haven.
IGAD further urged the warring parties, Russia and Ukraine, to accept dialogue to resolve the conflict peacefully.
“IGAD appeals to all the parties involved in the conflict to show restraint and make use of all the available diplomatic channels to help resolve the situation in the interest of global peace and stability,” the statement shared by IGAD read in part.
“IGAD further calls on all the parties to ensure protection and safe passage for the civilian population including those from the African continent living or studying in affected areas.”
On Monday, the Chairperson of the African Union and the President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat jointly said in a statement that reports of Russian-Ukrainian war were perturbing.
“The current chair of the African Union and President of the Republic of Senegal, Macky Sall, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, are following closely the developments in Ukraine and are particularly disturbed by reports that African citizens on the Ukrainian side of the border are being refused the right to cross the border to safety,” the statement stated.
“Reports that Africans are singled out for unacceptable dissimilar treatment would be shockingly racist and in breach international law. In this regard, the Chairpersons urge all countries to respect international law and show the same empathy and support to all people fleeing war notwithstanding their racial identity.”
The AU Chiefs called the act a “breach of international law.” They urged nations to respect international law and support those fleeing war and avoid racism.
“The two chairpersons recall that all people have the right to cross international borders during the conflict, and as such, should enjoy the same rights to cross to safety from the conflict in Ukraine, notwithstanding their nationality or racial identity.”
“The chairpersons commend the efforts by African Union Member State countries and their embassies in neighboring countries to receive and orientate African citizens and their families trying to cross the border from Ukraine to Safety.”
South Sudanese safe
On Tuesday, spokesperson of a group dubbed as the “European Committee” Mohammed Alasbat, said 60 South Sudanese and Sudanese had crossed from Ukraine to Poland. Alasbat added that no casualties had been recorded among Sudanese and South Sudanese and none was missing.
“I want to assure the families of our sons and daughters from Sudan and South Sudan in Ukraine that they are all safe. We have not recorded any death or injury up to now. No cases of being lost or missing,” Alasbat said.
On Monday, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Deng Dau Deng, said the South Sudanese in Poland were being monitored by the country’s embassy in Germany.
“The first step is that the students have reported to Poland and the UNHCR have responded to provide them with support and thereafter if there are any details after that, they will be discussed and all the students are out of Ukraine,” Deng confirmed.
On Thursday last week, Ukraine and Russia were involved in a war after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared war against Ukraine following his accusation by the President of Ukraine for committing war crimes.
